Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy
The Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) will be a 2.5 meter,
optical/infrared/sub-millimeter telescopemounted in a Boeing 747, to be used for many
advanced astronomical observations performed at stratospheric altitudes. The Observatory
will accommodate installation of different focal plane instruments, with in-flight
accessibility, provided by
investigators selected from the international science community. The Observatory
objective is to have an operational lifetime in excess of 20 years.
The SOFIA project is in the early full-scale stage. The start of detailed system design
is anticipated in the Fall of 1996. The German Space Agency (DARA) is a partner with NASA
in the SOFIA project. DARA will provide the telescope and NASA will provide the rest of
the facility including the 747 aircraft, aircraft modifications, on-board mission control
system, ground
facilities and support equipment, overall management, system integration and operations.
The SOFIA project is currently moving forward with evaluation of proposals for prime
contracts for the U.S. and German portions of the program. Final approval for program
implementation has been received from the U.S. Congress and NASA management. The
observatory will begin flight operations by the year 2001.
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